In this deeply moving episode of the Leadership Toolkit podcast, host Mike welcomes the extraordinary Andrea Wilson Woods, a keynote speaker, writer, patient advocate, and founder of Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association. Andrea shares her heart-wrenching journey of raising her sister, Adrienne, who lost her battle with liver cancer at just 15, and how this tragedy propelled her to start a non-profit dedicated to fighting liver cancer. Dive into Andrea's story of unexpected guardianship, her fight for Adrienne's life, and how leadership and compassion can emerge from the toughest situations.

🧰 The Workbench: My Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Adversity Can Forge Leaders: Facing hardships can be a catalyst for developing leadership skills—a test by fire that prepares you for future challenges. 2️⃣ Action Over Despair: Leaders find ways to channel personal pain or adversity into productive, positive actions that serve others and fulfill a greater purpose. 3️⃣ Empathy Guides Great Leaders: Utilizing the Platinum Rule, Andrea’s journey illustrates how deeply understanding and aligning with the needs of others can drive meaningful change. 4️⃣ Courage and Conviction Are Key: Leadership often requires standing in the face of adversity or skepticism and pushing forward with a belief in your actions and their impact on others.

Resources Mentioned:

Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association

Better Off Bald: A Life in 147 Days (Order on Amazon)

I'd Rather Be Dead Than Deaf (Order on Amazon)

Be inspired by Andrea's journey and take action. Whether it's supporting a loved one in need, starting your own initiative to make a difference, or simply offering your help where it’s needed, remember the power of asking questions, being organized, and advocating for what truly matters.

Contact Information:
Andrea Wilson Woods
LinkedIn: https://Linkedin.com/in/AndreaWilsonWoods/
Web: ⁠BlueFaery.org⁠

Mike Phillips
Email: ⁠⁠⁠mike@TheLeadshipToolkit.com⁠⁠⁠
LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠Linkedin.com/in/LeadTheTeam⁠⁠⁠
Twitter: ⁠@LeadTheTeam
YouTube: YouTube.com/@MikePhillips

Credits:

Hosted by Mike Phillips

Produced by The Leadership Toolkit Team

Guest Speaker: Andrea Wilson Woods, Founder of Blue Fairy